“Like a mountain in springtime.” Singer John Denver had it right. The Smoky Mountains, in particular, are beautiful in bloom. The online site GORP, Great Outdoor Recreation Pages, named Great Smoky Mountains National Park one of its Top 10 Parks for Spring because of its 1,500 flowering plants, most of them at their loveliest. Read More
The Smoky Mountain Outdoors is the perfect place to relax and get away from the stresses of your regular life. Whether you travel with a large group of friends or set off on a family vacation you can have fun at the 12-acre camping outpost with riverside sites. Make sure that you pack the right items for your journey to keep everyone safe and happy. Read More
Your first whitewater rafting trip is an exciting and slightly scary experience. There are ways that you can ensure that your trip goes smoothly so that you can simply enjoy the beauty, scenery and adventure of a white water rafting excursion. Whitewater rafting is a popular activity in many mountainous regions of the world. Expect a fast-paced and slightly bumpy ride that will get your adrenaline pumping.
It is important to research in advance good companies that will guide you on your trip. A good company will have all of the legal certifications and forms needed in the state where they reside. They will also have experienced guides, new equipment and good reviews from travelers who have used them in the past. Finding a reliable and resourceful company to take you on your first trip is crucial to its success. If you are unsure of how to go about this, ask locals in the town where you plan to whitewater raft. Local residents will be able to point you in the direction of a quality whitewater rafting company.
The next step is to make sure that you have the right gear for the trip. This requires speaking to the white water rafting company, but usually involves a specific type of water shoes, clothes that you can get wet, and possibly a back-pack full of other types of gear. If you are planning a camping trip you will likely need a compact tent and sleeping bags. Find out if you need to provide your own food or if the white water rafting company provides it for you. Being prepared by having the right gear will make your adventure much more fun and easier. Once you have everything in place you can simply relax, have fun and enjoy the ride.
You’ve wanted to hike in the Smokies for a long time, and now it’s finally going to happen. With over 80 different hiking trails, you may be wondering how to pick the best trails for your trip. Some trails, like the Toms Branch Falls trail, have gorgeous scenery but are not sufficiently lengthy or challenging for an experienced hiker. Others, like the Hemphill Bald Loop, involve rigorous climbing and all-day hiking.
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